underneath

1 of 2

preposition

un·​der·​neath ˌən-dər-ˈnēth 

1

a

: directly beneath

write the date underneath the address

b

: close under especially so as to be hidden

treachery lying underneath a mask of friendliness

wore a swimsuit underneath his slacks

2

: under subjection to

underneath

2 of 2

adverb

1

: under or below an object or a surface : beneath

2

: on the lower side

underneath adjective

Synonyms

Adverb

• below
• beneath
• under

Examples of underneath in a Sentence

Preposition

He hid the envelope underneath his coat.

She slipped a note underneath the door.

The ball rolled underneath the car.

He lives in the apartment underneath mine.

There was gum stuck underneath the table.

Underneath her calm exterior was a nervous woman with a hot temper.

They actually had a lot in common underneath their obvious differences.

Adverb

He wore a white sweater with a red shirt underneath.

She lifted up the rock and found ants crawling underneath.

The car had rust underneath.

Recent Examples on the Web

Preposition

Layer it underneath a coat on chilly days, or throw it over your shoulder once temperatures warm. —Averi Baudler, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025

This was styled with a button-up layered underneath a cream knitted sweater, a notable pairing. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 8 Feb. 2025

Adverb

Made from a range of wicking, insulating materials from polyester to fleece to Merino, these simple tubes sit at (or right underneath) the collar of your jacket or shirt, sealing the gap where wind, sun, or snow can hit bare skin and send shivers down your spine. —Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2025

Its open cabin design; zen-like dashboard; quilted, perforated leather seats; and floating center console with room for a handbag underneath give it a decidedly sophisticated look and feel. —Scotty Reiss, Parents, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Preposition

Middle English undernethe, preposition & adverb, from Old English underneothan, from under + neothan below — more at beneath

First Known Use

Preposition

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing underneath

• the underneath
• underneath it all

Kids Definition

underneath

1 of 2 preposition

un·​der·​neath ˌən-dər-ˈnēth 

1

: right under

wore their bathing suits underneath their clothes

2

: under the control of

underneath

2 of 2 adverb

1

: under or below an object or an outside part

soaked through the jacket to the shirt underneath

2

: on the lower side

a pot blackened underneath